Every year, more than 4.5 million high school juniors take the PSAT which enters them into the National Merit Scholarship program, a national academic competition for high school students to provide financial aid to attend college. ATA College Prep student Sasha Malysheva is one of less than 5{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9} of those test takes to receive a commendation. Malysheva’s score ranks her among one of the 50,000 highest-scoring students in the nation on the 2020 PSAT qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholar awards.

“Sasha, this recognition, along with the many other accolades that you have already acquired that honor unique aspects of your being, is a tribute to your long-term dedication to your studies, your work ethic, and your perseverance,” said Carol Hagar, Head of School. “Thank you for being such a heartful and powerful example for your mentees and our entire community.”

Semi-finalists and Finalists for the scholarship competition will be announced in September and if Sasha qualifies, she will be asked to complete an application and essays to compete for college scholarship merit awards. Each year, only about 7,500 students are selected to become scholarship winners.